THE FA will ban divers from the professional game next season using a series of tough new powers aimed at punishing simulation retrospectively.

The new offence – ‘Successful Deception of a Match Official’ – will come into force at the start of the 2017-18 season with those suspected of cheating subjected to trial by video. Anybody found guilty of cheating will be handed a two-match ban.

Football’s authorities had been working on the proposal since January and felt the time was right to act in light of FIFA’s new stance on using video refereeing in specific circumstances.

Any player found to have acted in any manner, whether by diving or feigning injury, that is designed to falsely win a penalty or get an opponent sent off can be charged retrospectively.

That includes simulation leading to either yellow card if a player is sent off after receiving two of them in the same game.

GETTY

Raheem Sterling has been installed as 10-1 joint favourites with Leroy Sane to fall foul of the rule

Instances will be dealt with on a fast-track system under similar measures already in place for unseen incidents.

A three-man panel consisting of a former match official, an ex-player and an ex-manager will look at video evidence independently and if all three decide unanimously that simulation has been used, the player in question will be charged.

At that point, the player can either accept the punishment or request a personal hearing. If simulation is found the panel has the power to rescind any yellow or red cards that have been handed out as a result.

Premier League diving ban: Players booked this season

Thu, May 18, 2017

Click to reveal every Premier League player booked for simulation this season